Thursday Night Rodeo & A Little BBQ

Come with us for a visit to the weekly rodeo at the Blue Moon Nightclub near Columbia Falls, Montana. It's almost 7 PM, and the crowd is gathering as they do every Thursday night during the summer. As we park, we see there's already a line to to pay the $10 price of admission. There's an even longer line at the hamburger shack and the beer vendor. Lets grab a couple of tall cans of beer and head over to the bleachers. We'll climb to the top for a good view, and take a seat in the warm, summer evening sun.

An idyllic scene sets the stage for the coming evening.

It's comforting to know that this Western way of life, with a tradition of horsemanship that stretches back well over a hundred years is still alive and well. Out here, nobody has forgotten that real life is all 3D, big screen, and high definition.

8 seconds must seem like a LONG time.

There's just no substitute for a small town rodeo. While it might lack the polish of the big leagues (like you might see at the finals of the Calgary Stampede) at least there's a real chance of getting some dirt kicked on you here, and you won't need any binoculars to see the action.

Horse and rider aren't always adversaries.

This isn't some huge sports stadium where the players are limited to a privileged few on multi-million dollar contracts. The competitors here are paying to compete. (See the difference there?) These men, women, boys, and girls are all here for the same thing; to test their mettle in challenges based on the real world skills that have put food on your table for generations.

Rider: "I'm stayin' on" - Horse: "No you're not"

Now let's crack that ice cold beer and settle in to watch a pageant unfold that hasn't changed to speak of for the better part of a century.

More than 2000 pounds of bull with all four hooves in the air!

We're reminded that both the riders and the animals here are considered to be athletes, and whether we see them perform in an event that places the two in concert, or in combat, it's a beautiful sight.

A pretty Barrel Racer pours it on in a tight turn.

I never cease to marvel at the almost unbelievable bravery demonstrated by the rodeo "clown" (at top right below, and anything but a clown) and we'll see him save more than one life tonight.

Uh-oh...that bull looks pretty pissed off....

The sun is getting low now, and its golden rays are turning the clouds of dust around the riders into halos of smoke and fire. The bulls look as if they've been ridden straight up out of the ground from Hell.

Devil Bull

It's over almost before we know it, and the riders and stock will soon be off to the next town, and the next rodeo, risking their lives again to chase that perfect 8 second ride in the warm, summer sun.

While you're in the neighborhood, don't miss your chance to visit the Back Room of the Nite Owl in Columbia Falls for some of the best BBQ you've ever had. It's probably wise to go for dinner before the rodeo though, since they close at 9 PM. And if you're not keen on waiting in a line that stretches out the door, down the stairs, and into the parking lot, then you'd best show up before 5 PM. Word is out about this place, and it's always jam packed with rib lovers.

Nothin' fancy...the focus is on the food.

The restaurant has a folksy, country-kitchen atmosphere and looks like it's been that way for a long time. The ceiling is studded with playing cards (The Back Room - get it?) bearing the signatures of past patrons.

How'd they get 'em up there?

We suggest that you save time and skip browsing the menu. Just order the "Country Ribs" (Trust us on this one). The ribs are nearly boneless pieces of tender, juicy, slow roasted, pork that almost melt in your mouth. (They cook 800 lbs a day!)

It's best to arrive hungry and Thirsty.

They're served with a sauce that's tasty without being overpowering, and come with all the trimmings: baby red potatoes, cole slaw, baked beans and a big piece of fry bread. You'll find a squeeze bottle of honey on the table to anoint the fry bread to sweet perfection. If you leave the Back Room hungry, it's your fault. You'll likely want a cold beverage to wash it all down, and our suggestion is a jug of Bitter Root Brewery's "Nut Brown Ale". This cola colored, local craft brew has the bold taste that you'll need to stand up to the smoky BBQ. Look for notes of coffee, roasted malts, and chocolate in this flavorful beer that's reminiscent of a Porter.

Fox & Vicky